Multisource appliance or device systems

ABSTRACT

A modular appliance or device system includes a modular appliance or device which uses at least one energy source, a support, a multisource connector installed in the support and allowing connection of the modular appliances or devices through a complementary multisource connector receiving end, wherein the multisource connector supplies at least one source of energy to the appliance or device, multiple energy source supplies, and controls that regulate the energy supplies.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to appliances and devices and, in particular, to systems that may connect modular appliances or devices, with at least two sources of energy and, optionally, with fluid supplies such as water, air, or oil, among others, as needed. More particularly, the systems include a multisource connector, modular appliances or devices, accessories, adaptors and extensions that match the output of a particular appliance or device with the multisource connector.

BACKGROUND

Appliances, in particular cooking appliances, have long been fabricated according to traditional design paradigms. These design paradigms require the presence of a frame, compartment or cooking zone on which energy, usually no more than one source at a time, is applied through a hob or other similar kind of heating device. Such hob or similar heating device, regardless of the source of energy required, is usually fixed to the cooking appliance, thereby impeding the easy disassembly and further cleaning of the cooking appliance and nearby areas. In the case of a gas hob, stove or cooktop, these design paradigms also impede the use of the frame, compartment or cooking zone for other purposes when not in use. Moreover, hobs and similar heating devices are required to fit in size and shape the frame, compartment or cooking zone of the cooking appliance, thereby impeding the use of hobs and similar heating devices of different sizes and shapes. In addition to the restrictions mentioned above, usually cooking appliances limit each frame, compartment or cooking zone to the use of a single source of energy available for heating purposes. To the same extent, cooking appliances usually do not provide through each frame, compartment or cooking zone a supply of fluids commonly used when cooking.

GB 2 316 480 A describes a modular cooking appliance which can use gas or electricity as energy source. GB '480 describes a frame on which a hob module is disposed. The gas or electric supplies connect automatically to the hob, and the hob modules comprise hotplates and burners among others. Nevertheless, GB '480 fails to describe the nature and disposition of the connector which would allow connection of the hob module to the hob wherein the energy supplies are disposed. Furthermore, GB '480 requires the presence of a frame on which the modules would be inserted.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,884 A describes a modular gas appliance system disclosing the features of standardized connectors for providing gas. Nevertheless, U.S. Pat. No. '884 does not describe a multisource connector which considers providing multiple sources of energy such as electric and fuel, as well as providing fluid supplies other than energy.

GB 2 271 176 A describes a stove that can have two different cooking zones, one of them providing a gas energy source and the other providing an electric energy source. Nevertheless, GB '176 is limited in that the different energy source zones are fixed and modular devices are not allowed.

Other efforts such as, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,026 A and U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,609 A, describe modular systems including gas hobs, or optionally an electric energy source. Nevertheless, they do not describe a multisource connector and those devices require a frame on which the module must be inserted.

SUMMARY

I provide a modular appliance or device systems including a modular appliance or device which uses at least one energy source, a support, a multisource connector installed in the support and allowing connection of the modular appliances or devices through a complementary multisource connector receiving end, wherein the multisource connector supplies at least one source of energy to the appliance or device, multiple energy source supplies, and controls that regulate the energy supplies.

I also provide a multisource connector that provides energy to an appliance or device including a fluid fuel, either liquid or gas, a supply device adapted to provide a flow, and an electrical supply device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a top view of the multisource connector according to an example of my systems.

FIG. 1 b is a side view of the multisource connector according to an example of my system.

FIG. 2 a is a side view of the multisource connector installed and embedded in a surface and with a gas hob connected to it according to an example of my system.

FIG. 2 b is a lateral view of the multisource connector installed and embedded in a surface and with an adaptor connected to an electrical water boiler according to an example of my system.

FIG. 2 c is a lateral view of the multisource connector installed and embedded in a surface and with a lamp plugged in to it according to an example of my system.

FIG. 3 a is a set of multisource connectors installed and embedded in a surface according to an example of my system.

FIG. 3 b is a set of multisource connectors installed and embedded in a surface with its respective controls on the surface according to an example of my system.

FIG. 3 c is a set of multisource connectors as part of a cooktop with its respective controls on the top according to an example of my system.

FIG. 3 d is a set of multisource connectors as part of a range cooker with its respective controls in the front of the range cooker according to an example of my system.

FIG. 3 e is a set of multisource connectors installed and embedded in a wall according to an example of my system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following terms are understood with the definition given below: a “device” or “appliance” is to be understood as an apparatus or mechanical construction destined to perform a particular task or operation. A device or appliance can be a cooking means, an adaptor, or an extension, among others.

The term “system” is to be understood as the integral and functional coordination of basic elements, which are the multisource connector, energy supplies, a support or surface if applicable, controls, and devices or appliances.

When reference is made to the term “fluid,” the term includes liquids and gases. In the case of a fluid fuel, for example, a fluid fuel can be gas (methane, liquefied gas or the like) or liquid (kerosene, ethanol, alcohol or the like). The same applies to non-energy fluid supplies (for example water, air, oil or the like). When reference is made to “non-energy fluid” or “non-energetic fluid” or “fluid supply,” the term must be understood as a fluid, either gas or liquid, whose main function is different than acting as an energy source. For example, a non-energy fluid can be water, air, oil or the like. When reference is made to “energy source,” the term refers to any form of energy such as electric, thermal, magnetic or the like, or to a matter that transforms into energy (liquefied gas, propane, alcohol or the like).

When reference is made to “multisource,” the term refers to the ability of providing a plurality of a certain concept. In particular, the system mainly refers to “multisource connector” as the ability of a connector to provide a plurality of sources of energy and/or a plurality of non-energy fluids.

When reference is made to a “locking system,” the term refers to a system with the ability of attaching firmly to something else, to remain firmly in a position or a place, or to become closed.

It will be appreciated that the following description is intended to refer to specific examples of structure selected for illustration in the drawings and is not intended to define or limit the disclosure, other than in the appended claims.

My systems allow flexibility in the location of a multisource connector which is not restricted to a frame, compartment or cooking zone, not to a specific shape or size, and allows flexibility by offering at least two sources of energy and, optionally, fluid supplies to appliances or devices that may require different sources of energy and/or fluid supplies. Furthermore, my systems allow for easy cleaning of the surfaces destined for cooking purposes, and allows flexibility to use the surface for other purposes when not in use for cooking purposes.

As will be clear in the following descriptions, my systems can be installed in a surface with minimal interference over the surface, allowing the use of the cooking surface for other purposes when the system is not in use, thus increasing the available useful space. Moreover, the systems allow the use of appliances or devices of any shape or size because they do not require a frame, compartment or cooking zone where the appliance or device needs to fit in.

My system allows the integration of a) appliances or devices, b) a support, c) multisource connectors, d) controls, and e) multiple energy source supplies, wherein each of the multisource connectors allows for supplying energy from the multiple energy source supplies to the appliances or devices. More particularly, the multisource connector can provide at least two sources of energy and, optionally, non-combustible fluid supplies, as the case may be (for example, it may also supply water, air or any other fluid) to the appliance or device. Also, in a particular case, for example, the system permits connection of modular electric and gas hobs to the system, ventilation appliances and other devices that may need the use of electricity, gas, water or other fluids.

A plurality of modular appliances or devices can fulfill different functions, and the plurality of modular appliances or devices can use the energy and fluid supplies provided through the multisource connectors.

The support corresponds to a suitable object which will house the multisource connector. The support can be a surface which can be flat or curved. The material of which the support is made can be selected depending on the use of a particular device which can be connected to the multisource connector and which may be resting on top of the support. In a particular example, the support may be made of a heat-resistant material. In a further example, the multisource connector may be embedded in an altered support or surface, or the support or surface may include the multisource connector.

The multisource connector can be a key part of the system. Its main function is to give the possibility to supply with at least two sources of energy to an appliance or device. In a particular example, the multisource connector provides suitable means to supply a fluid source of energy and an electric source of energy. In a further example, the means for supplying electric energy through the multisource connector are isolated or are water-resistant.

Optionally, the multisource connector can further include means for supplying a fluid with no energetic purposes such as, for example, water, vapor, oil, air, among others. In a further particular example, the means can be used to return a fluid for disposal or other purposes. For example, and with no intention to limit this disclosure, the multisource connector can include two different pipes, one for providing a fluid supply, and the second for receiving a fluid outflow coming from the appliance or device.

In a particular example, the system further comprises a locking system selected among a mechanical system, magnetic system, or a combination thereof.

In a further example, the multisource connector comprises a locking system selected among a mechanical system, magnetic system, or a combination thereof.

In a particular example, for example, when the fluid source of energy is gas, the multisource connector has a gas valve or pipe.

In a further example, when one of the energy sources is electricity, the electricity is sourced by a socket that may have a water-resistant mechanism. The benefit of having a multisource connector is the possibility of plugging different appliances or devices with the same connector and also that any manufacturer may be able to develop system-compatible appliances or devices.

In a further example, the systems include controls allowing the regulation of the fluid source of energy and/or the electric source of energy that may be used by the appliance or device.

The control can be located in the multisource connector itself, on the support of the system, or in the device or appliance. In a further example, there can be multiple controls present in the appliance or device and in the support, or in the appliance or device and in the multisource connector itself, or in the multisource connector and the support.

The systems further include sources of energy such as electricity or a fluid fuel such as gas, kerosene, methane, liquefied gas, alcohol, ethanol or the like.

Generally, commercially available modular cooking appliances are designed so that hobs are inserted in compartments or frames. My systems do not require installation in such compartments or frames. Given that the support on which the system is installed is typically a flat surface, appliances or devices may be connected in different locations depending on where the multisource connectors are located. In a particular example, a specially designed lid or cap can be used to cover the multisource connector, when installed in a surface, such that the complete surface is available and can be used for other purposes.

Appliances or devices that are part of the system may be directly plugged into at least one multisource connector, and may be ready to be used. In a particular example, an appliance or device may be plugged and temporarily fixed to the multisource connector using a magnetic system, a mechanical system or by other mechanisms depending on the needs of the device.

In the following section, my systems are described based on the accompanying Drawings. In no way are the Drawings to be used as limiting the scope of this disclosure or my systems, as described previously.

In FIG. 1 a, the multisource connector has a fluid energy supply valve or pipe (7) that provides a flow for gas hobs, torches, burners or other appliances or devices. The electrical supply is provided through an electrical socket (3) that may receive an electric plug with negative, positive and neutral pins if necessary (2). The body of the multisource connector (1) has an auxiliary socket (4) to supply alternative sources of energy or non-combustible fluid supplies through orifices (5) and (6). Orifices (5) and (6) may also be configured to receive an outflow of fluids coming from an appliance or device.

In the Drawings, only one auxiliary socket (4) is depicted. Nevertheless, my systems are not limited to having only one auxiliary socket. Thus, the systems can comprise a plurality of auxiliary sockets (4) that may supply a plurality of fluid flows. Furthermore, the systems are not limited to one electrical socket, but can comprise a plurality of electrical sockets. Also, the systems are not limited to have only one fluid fuel valve or pipe, but can also comprise a plurality of fluid fuel valves or pipes, to supply a plurality of fluid fuels which can be configured to supply the same or different fluid fuels through the different fluid fuel valve or pipes.

In FIG. 1 b, the external electrical supply may be installed to the multisource connector at the bottom of the socket (8). The external fluid energy supply may be installed to the multisource connector at the bottom of the gas valve or pipe (10), which delivers the external fluid supply to the gas valve or pipe (7). The auxiliary socket (4) may supply an alternative source of energy or a non-combustible fluid supply. The alternative source of energy or non-combustible fluid supply may be sourced through a connection at the end of the auxiliary socket (9).

FIG. 2 a illustrates how, in a particular example, a multisource connector (1) is installed and fitted into a flat surface (12), and connected to a modular gas hob (14) with an electrical ignition device (13). The multisource connector may be fixed to the flat surface. The gas hob is plugged into the multisource connector and may be plugged in the electrical socket (11) which is the electrical supply for the gas hob's electrical ignition device (13). The gas hob may be fixed to the multisource connector. The multisource connector supplies the gas hob with gas through the gas valve or pipe (7). The gas flow enters the hob and burns out of its cap (15). The gas hob is automatically ready for use once it is plugged in to the multisource connector.

In FIG. 2 b, an adapter (17) is plugged to the multisource connector installed and fitted into a flat surface (12). The adaptor may serve to connect appliances or devices such as an electrical water boiler (16) as illustrated in this example. The adapter is plugged to the multisource connector and receives electrical supply that is transmitted to the electrical water boiler once it is plugged to the base (17). The adapter may or may not have its own controls for regulating the electrical energy or for other features such as a timer.

As shown in FIG. 2 c, any appliance or device may be plugged in to the multisource connector whether it may need fuel, electricity or a fluid supply. In FIG. 2 c, a lamp (19) is plugged through its base (20) in the multisource connector and receives electrical energy. In this particular example, the lamp (device) is locked in its position using a mechanical locking system, keeping the lamp fixed to the multisource connector so it does not fall when regulating its position. However, the mechanical locking system allows rotating the lamp by its vertical axis.

In FIG. 2 d, a multisource connector is embedded in a wall (29) and installed with electricity and water supply. Plugged to the multisource connector is a heating device (30) that functions with electricity and water.

In FIG. 3 a, the multisource connectors (21) may be installed in any support, ideally in a solid flat surface (22) made of heat resistant material. Its respective controls may be installed in other area such as a wall or even as part of a device that will be plugged in to a multisource connector.

As shown in FIG. 3 b, the multisource connectors (21) that are installed in a surface (22) may have its respective controls (23) also installed over the same surface.

Multisource connectors may also be installed as parts of an apparatus, as illustrated in FIG. 3 c. In this example, there is fixed number of multisource connectors (21) installed in a cooktop (24), with its respective controls (23). The cooktop is embedded in a flat surface (22).

In FIG. 3 d, the multisource connectors (21) are installed in a range oven (25) in a surface (24) suitable for plugging in devices to each multisource connector. In this case the multisource connectors form part of a more complex apparatus, in this example a cooking device with its respective oven (25) and control (27). Its respective controls (23) may be also installed with the respective apparatus.

In FIG. 3 e, the multisource connectors (21) are embedded in a wall (29).

Although only a few examples have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the examples without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

The systems as described hereinabove in the context of the preferred examples are not to be taken as limited to all of the provided details thereof, since modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The systems are applicable in the appliance industry, more particularly for appliances or devices used for cooking. 

1. A modular appliance or device system comprising: a. a modular appliance or device which uses at least one energy source; b. a support; c. a multisource connector installed in the support and allowing connection of the modular appliances or devices through a complementary multisource connector receiving end, wherein the multisource connector supplies at least one source of energy to said appliance or device; d. multiple energy source supplies; and e. controls that regulate the energy supplies.
 2. The modular appliance or device system according to claim 1, wherein the multisource connector further supplies a flow of at least one non-combustible fluid supply and controls that regulate at least one non-combustible fluid supply.
 3. The modular appliance or device system according to claim 1, further comprising a locking system selected from the group consisting of a mechanical system, magnetic system and a combination thereof.
 4. The modular appliance or device system according to claim 1, wherein the support is made of a heat-resistant material.
 5. The modular appliance or device system according to claim 1, wherein the multisource connector comprises a device that supplies electric energy and the device is isolated or water-resistant.
 6. A multisource connector that provides energy to an appliance or device comprising a fluid fuel, either liquid or gas, a supply device adapted to provide a flow, and an electrical supply device.
 7. The multisource connector according to claim 6, wherein the fluid fuel, either gas or liquid, supply device is a valve or pipe.
 8. The multisource connector according to claim 6, wherein the electrical supply device is a socket adapted to receive an electric plug.
 9. The multisource connector according to claim 6, wherein the electrical supply device is isolated or water-resistant.
 10. The multisource connector according to claim 6, further comprising an auxiliary socket that supplies a flow of a fluid supply through the orifices.
 11. The multisource connector according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of auxiliary sockets adapted to supply a plurality of fluid flows.
 12. The multisource connector according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of electrical sockets.
 13. The multisource connector according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of fluid fuel valves or pipes that supply a plurality of fluid fuels.
 14. The multisource connector according to claim 6, further comprising 1) a plurality of auxiliary sockets adapted to supply a plurality of fluid flows, 2) a plurality of electrical sockets, and 3) a plurality of fluid fuel valves or pipes that supply a plurality of fluid fuels.
 15. The multisource connector according to claim 6, further comprising a locking system selected from the group consisting of a mechanical system, a magnetic system and a combination thereof. 